I&B Ministry
No DAS III extension beyond 31 Jan, reiterates MIB
MUMBAI: Cable Subscribers in DAS Phase III urban areas, who have not yet taken set-top boxes, are advised to obtain the same from the MSO/cable operators in their areas immediately, failing which they would not be able to watch TV services through Cable TV Networks after 31 January, 2017.
It is brought to the notice of all concerned that Ministry of I&B would not grant any extension beyond 31 January, 2017 to switch off analog signals in Phase III urban areas. In this connection, Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs have been requested recently to ensure that the Authorized Officer get acquainted with their powers and specified rules to enforce them against defaulters if they continue to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31 January, 2017.
The Ministry had issued instructions to all the broadcasters, multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) to ensure that no analog signals are transmitted over the cable networks in Phase III urban areas after 31st January, 2017. “Authorised officers” under Sec 11 of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act can seize the equipment of the MSOs/Cable Operators, if they continues to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31 January, 2017.
On account of court proceedings, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had earlier given time up to 31 January, 2017, to switch over to digital mode of transmission in Cable TV Networks in Phase III urban areas.
Also Read: MSO registrations remain slow even as DAS deadlines approach
Also Read: Slow pace of court cases, MSO registration may delay DAS deadline
I&B Ministry
Digital radio, D2M tech set to reshape broadcasting and public messaging
Govt pushes next-gen delivery while TRAI tightens grip on spam ecosystem
NEW DELHI: India’s broadcasting and telecom landscape is undergoing a quiet but significant upgrade, with digital radio and Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technologies emerging as powerful tools for mass communication, while regulators step up efforts to tackle spam calls.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, digital radio and D2M are poised to transform how content reaches audiences by making more efficient use of spectrum. In simple terms, multiple channels can now be delivered over a single frequency, opening the door to a wider range of free-to-air content.
D2M technology takes this a step further by enabling video, audio and data to be broadcast directly to mobile handsets without relying on SIM cards or mobile data. The result is a resilient and cost-effective data pipe that can deliver everything from entertainment and education to critical emergency alerts, even in low-connectivity scenarios.
At the same time, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is tightening its grip on unsolicited commercial communication, better known as spam calls. The regulator has deployed a distributed ledger technology platform to bring transparency and accountability into the system.
Through this blockchain-based setup, consumers can register their preferences on receiving promotional messages, while businesses and telemarketers must also sign up and operate within defined rules. The platform also includes a complaint mechanism that allows users to report spam, with complaints shared across telecom operators for coordinated action.
The government’s broader push is being supported by infrastructure upgrades under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme. Implemented through Prasar Bharati, the initiative focuses on modernising networks such as Akashvani and Doordarshan, including digitisation and adoption of next-generation broadcast equipment.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan said these steps are part of a larger effort to promote emerging technologies and strengthen the country’s broadcasting backbone. The response came to a query raised by member of Parliament Rao Rajendra Singh.
Together, these developments point to a dual-track strategy: expanding access to reliable, low-cost content while cleaning up the communication ecosystem. As digital pipes get smarter and spam filters sharper, India’s airwaves may soon feel a lot less noisy and far more useful.
